It brings together more than 150 photos, proofs and documents – some of which have never been seen before
Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography, the first ever exhibition at the King’s Gallery, has just opened its doors to the public. Curated by Alessandro Nasini, it shows how royal portraits have evolved in both style and technique over the last century.
It collects more than 150 photos, proofs and documents – some of which have never been seen before – from the 1920s to the present day. It sheds light on behind-the-scenes processes, from photographers’ handwritten notes to correspondence with members of the Royal Family and their staff, revealing the stories behind some of the most celebrated images ever taken of the Royal Family.
The display features work by the most acclaimed royal photographers, from Cecil Beaton and Dorothy Wilding to Annie Leibovitz and Rankin. Some of the close relationships between royal sitters and photographers are also explored, seen most clearly through the lens of Antony Armstrong-Jones (later Lord Snowdon), who married Princess Margaret in 1960.
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Alessandro said: “The Royal Collection contains some of the most enduring photographs ever taken of the Royal Family, taken by the most celebrated portrait photographers of the past hundred years – from Dorothy Wilding and Cecil Beaton to Annie Leibovitz, David Bailey and Rankin. Alongside these beautiful vintage prints, which cannot be permanently displayed for conservation reasons, we are delighted to share archival correspondence and never-before-seen evidence that will give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating such unforgettable royal portraits.”
The exhibition’s free multimedia guide, narrated by Dame Joanna Lumley, includes contributions from royal photographers Hugo Burnand, Rankin and John Swannell. These include Burnand’s behind-the-scenes account of taking the official coronation portraits of the King and Queen in May 2023.
The King’s Gallery is located at Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA. Read more about the exhibition here.
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